Western university branches
NYU Abu Dhabi, Sorbonne Abu Dhabi, Heriot-Watt Dubai, Middlesex Dubai, Curtin Dubai and many more.
Study abroad in United Arab Emirates
Study in United Arab Emirates
Modern campuses of top British, American and Indian universities in tax-free Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Capital
Abu Dhabi
Language
Arabic and English
Currency
AED (د.إ)
Avg. tuition
AED 35k – AED 90k / year
Living cost
AED 35k – AED 60k / year
Post-study work
Up to 5 years (Green visa)
Why study here
Why students choose United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates attracts international students for its combination of academic quality, post-study opportunities and lifestyle. Here are the most important reasons our students apply.
Tax-free income
Strong graduate employment in finance, hospitality, tech and aviation — no income tax.
Muslim-friendly, multicultural
Welcoming to international students from over 200 nationalities.
5-year Green visa
Self-sponsored residency option for skilled graduates and freelancers.
Top student cities
Where students apply in United Arab Emirates
We help you choose the right city based on course strength, living costs, transport and your career goals.
DubaiAbu DhabiSharjahRas Al Khaimah
Not sure where to apply? Book a free consultation and we'll suggest a shortlist for your profile.
Visa & application steps
The United Arab Emirates student visa, step by step
Visa requirements change year to year — these are the typical building blocks. We tailor guidance to your nationality, course and timeline.
Step
Student visa sponsored by the university.
Step
Acceptance letter, passport, medical fitness, Emirates ID application.
Step
Tuition fees paid before visa issuance.
Step
Health insurance arranged through institution.
Always check the latest official requirements before applying. We help you do this thoroughly during your application.
Working while you study
Earn while you learn in United Arab Emirates
- Part-time work allowed for some students with university and ministry approval.
- Internships during studies, full employment after graduation with Green or Standard work visa.
Life as a student
Living and studying in United Arab Emirates
- World-class infrastructure: Dubai Metro, modern campuses, large shopping districts.
- Hot climate (especially May–September) — most spaces are air-conditioned.
- Halal food everywhere; alcohol licensed in designated venues only.
- Very large South Asian community — Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog widely spoken.
Funding your studies
Scholarships for United Arab Emirates
We help you identify scholarships you may qualify for — and prepare a strong application for each.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed ScholarshipsKhalifa University scholarshipsUniversity merit awards
Eligibility, amounts and deadlines vary. Contact us for personalised guidance.
Common questions
Study in United Arab Emirates FAQs
Can Uni Navigators help me apply to study in the UAE?
Yes. We support course selection, university applications, document preparation, scholarship guidance and visa support for students applying to United Arab Emirates.
What does it typically cost to study in United Arab Emirates per year?
Tuition ranges from AED 35k – AED 90k / year and living costs typically fall around AED 35k – AED 60k / year. Your final budget depends on the city, university and lifestyle. We help you build a realistic, transparent estimate.
Can I work while studying in United Arab Emirates?
Part-time work allowed for some students with university and ministry approval.
How long does the application process take?
Most students complete the full cycle in 3–6 months — earlier applications give the best chance of scholarships and visa appointments. We recommend starting at least 6–9 months before your intended intake.
Do you help with the student visa application?
Yes. We support document checks, application preparation and interview readiness. Visa rules can change, so we tailor guidance to your profile and the latest official requirements.
Can I compare United Arab Emirates with other study destinations?
Absolutely. Many students compare United Arab Emirates with the UK, Canada, Australia or other destinations. Book a free consultation and we will help you decide based on your goals, budget and timeline.
Compare destinations
Explore other study destinations
Compare United Arab Emirates with other popular destinations before you decide.
Ready to apply to study in United Arab Emirates?
Share your course, intake and academic background. Our counsellors will reply with a personalised plan — usually within one working day.